Transfers and International Banking

Sending money internationally

Options for transferring money between Spain and your home country, and what to watch for in fees and exchange rates.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-15Bank transfers typically arrive within 1-3 business days; some dedicated providers offer same-day options.

This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.

Overview

Once you have a Spanish account, you'll likely need to move money between it and accounts abroad — for a property purchase, ongoing savings, or supporting family. Costs vary far more between providers than most people expect.

Requirements

A Spanish bank account (IBAN) to send from or receive into
The recipient's account details in the correct format (IBAN/SWIFT where applicable)

Step-by-step process

Compare your bank's transfer fees and exchange rate against a dedicated international transfer provider
Set up the transfer with the recipient's correct details
For large or regular transfers, consider providers offering rate alerts or scheduled transfers

Required documents

Recipient's account details (IBAN/SWIFT/account number as required)
Source-of-funds documentation, for larger transfers, if requested by your bank

Common mistakes

Using a bank's default transfer service for a large amount without comparing the exchange rate against a specialist provider — the difference can be substantial
Not confirming the recipient's exact account format, causing delays or returned transfers

Practical tips

For regular or large transfers, dedicated currency transfer services are usually meaningfully cheaper than standard bank transfers
Always compare the total cost (fee plus exchange rate margin), not just the advertised fee

How Tuchati can help

If you're moving a significant amount and want a second opinion on the best way to do it, Tuchati can point you to reputable options.